As I begin my senior year at St. Paul’s High School, the coming months will undoubtedly present a series of new opportunities and worthy challenges. Opening Mass on Friday, September 6th officially kicked off the 2013-2014 academic year. During his homily, President Fr. Altilia explained the story of Saint Timothy, who at the mere age of fifteen, was asked by Saint Paul to be a mentor to his elders, thus becoming a prominent religious figure within his community. Over the past few years, I have realized that SPHS calls upon us students in a similar way to accept more responsibility and interact with our surroundings in a more meaningful fashion.

One of the most incredible aspects about St. Paul’s is our powerful sense of community. I was integrated into school culture nearly immediately as a freshman, and my communal notion has since continually broadened. Through the school’s daily life, extra-curriculars, and multiple retreats, I have developed remarkably strong relationships with both fellow students, and staff members. In fact, my day-to-day interactions with Richard, a janitor at the school, has formed a relationship I sincerely cherish. Nevertheless, I am certain these friendships will continue even after I graduate from St. Paul’s.

Before attending SPHS, I could have never imagined the spiritual growth I would experience. Daily prayer, weekly examens, and regular mass are all crucial parts of St. Paul’s keen religious focus. For example, freedom and detachment is a fundamental reflective skill I have learned to value. As a result, I feel I have become a much more moral and selfless individual by significantly strengthening my relationship with God.

Being a student at St. Paul’s means to eventually develop into a “Man for Others”. This is the characteristic of the school I probably appreciate the most. Since grade nine, I have made every effort to make service a top priority. Though our Christian Service Program mandates that grade ten and eleven students must volunteer a certain number of hours, I am one of the dozens of students who well exceeded the maximum, and have continued to serve even upon completion of the CSP. In fact, I was among the twenty-one members of SPHS who travelled to El Salvador to help an impoverished village begin construction of a church. I feel such humbling experiences of helping fellow humans achieve solidarity truly help build the Kingdom of God. Indeed, St. Paul’s helps teach each student to act in the image of the ultimate servant, Jesus Christ.

Last year, I was chosen by peers and teachers to be a member of the Maroon & White Society. The M&W is essentially a leadership group comprised of roughly twenty students. We often act as hosts at important school events, assist with religious activities, and organize mission funds. Personally, I am honoured to be a member of the Maroon & White Society because it gives me the opportunity to further my ability to serve by giving back to the school’s vibrant community. More importantly, I understand that the M&W is significant not simply for the service they provide, “but for the example they give,” as said by Fr. Altilia.

I believe a key part of God’s mission, and more specifically, the Jesuit mission, is to develop individuals who strive to benefit the greater community. In my opinion, St. Paul’s High School is mainly focused on the development of the whole person, therefore offering an education which extends far beyond academics. For me, St. Paul’s has allowed me to spread my wings, hone my talents, and discover many gifts I never knew I possessed. Through Jesuit education, I feel enabled to more effectively serve society, and help God’s kingdom. Overall, I appreciate being a student at St. Paul’s, and am extremely fortunate to be part of such a wonderful community.